Favourite destinations for solo female travelers? Emirates' timeless beauty

I'm honoured to host on my blog a guest post by Stephanie Lee, the author of "The Art of Solo Travel". Not only she gives very useful tips for any woman traveling alone, but I'm happy she has chosen the United Arab Emirates, one of my most favourite destinations.

When embarking on the adventure of solo travel for the first time, one of the first things that spring to mind is health and safety. As a solo female traveller who’s been around the globe, interestingly two of the cities in which I felt safest were Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Despite what the media frequently portrays, these cities in the UAE are forward metropolitan hubs with modern conveniences, friendly people, and have their fair share to offer any solo traveller without compromising on personal comfort and safety.
Some of the factors that contribute to this:

The city never sleeps

These two cities are high rollers with a busy and vibrant nightlife. Because there is always something going on in the city – be it 24-hour restaurants or clubs, the presence of people out socializing in the evenings and nights provided me with reassurance when going out after dark.

An international crowd

If travelling alone, it is guaranteed that you will meet other like-minded souls in these cities. Whether a fellow traveller or a working expat, making friends is easy, therefore there was never any reasons to feel lonely or unsafe. There are also ladies night in many places meaning free cocktails!

Day safaris

Join the plethora of day tours available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Try your hand at crab-hunting in the Arabian Sea, go dune-bashing in the exotic desert, or watch belly-dancers entertaining you in front of a local feast. Whatever you decide, you will always have a small group of people enjoying a similar activity with you.

Visit the new wonders of the UAE

It is always safe to visit popular monuments as there will be many others doing exactly the same thing. Along with many other tourists in the city, spend a day or two visiting the new Burj Dubai, or gawk at old ones like the Burj-al-Arab and the Atlantis Hotel. Alternatively go shopping at the fantastic Mall of the Emirates where you can also go skiing.

Watch a concert at the Emirates Palace

With thousands of other screaming fans, it is impossible to feel unsafe. Many popular artists frequently hold concerts at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, and from personal experiences it is pretty spectacular to watch your favourite band put on a show for you in the middle of the desert.

Take the taxi

Taxis are cheap, clean, and the drivers in a smart uniform are polite, helpful and courteous. Don’t take the bus.

Other obvious things

Besides keeping in mind the obvious such as not walking down a dark alley or tunnel alone, and never bringing your valuables out with you, it is almost impossible to feel insecure or unsafe in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Although not the cheapest places to visit, a few days there wouldn’t hurt. So head over there and party like it’s 2011! Happy New Year to all solo travellers!

You can buy "The Art of Solo Travel" here.

"It is time to stop dreaming your life and start living your dreams" - Book Review "The Art of Solo Travel"

"It is time to stop dreaming your life and start living your dreams": this is the philosophie behind Stephanie Lee's new book "The Art of Solo Travel - A Girls' Guide". This is not just a guide for solo female travelers, but an invaluable source of practical tips on how to manage a small budget on the road and on how to appreciate your time abroad by yourself.

I've been travelling alone for most of the time. After living for seven years in Rome, I moved to Ireland in 2005, and relocated to London in 2007. Now I'm about to start a new journey: I'll be moving to Shanghai in July, again by myself.

Admittedly, I have had times when I wished to have a travel companion, and when I felt tired to be always alone on the road, but then, this book came along and I started re-thinking the whole issue over. Besides, I reckon I'm not an easy travel companion if someone just wants to go on holiday, I pursue the constant quest for the unknown, and this might lead my friends not to tolerate me anymore.

The author makes it clear for the reader from the first page: "If you are reading this, you are not the average girl". She's right, solo women travellers are (and must be) fiercely independent, determined, stubborn.

The best thing of this book is that it's "true". Stephanie doesn't lose herself on unrealistic hyperboles: travelling and travelling solo are great experiences, but they also have their difficulties, and travellers must pay attention to details.

Furthermore, women travelling solo are, or appear, more vulnerable, and when unwanted attentions come about travellers inevitably feel uncomfortable. When all due precautions are taken, I agree with Stephanie when she says "solo travelers experience a more intimate relationship with their destinations".

The book has had a soothing effect on me, helping me not feel lonely the very moment I'm about to leave friends and family all over again.